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Latest News Around the Web

Exercise interventions reduce risk for postpartum depression

Healio (11/13, Rhoades) reports “exercise interventions reduced the risk for postpartum depression and the severity of depression and anxiety in women who recently gave birth, results from a review and meta-analysis” showed. Researchers found that “certain thresholds of exercise over the first 3 months of postpartum may need to be met to ultimately achieve the benefits.” The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Related Links:

— “Exercise may reduce the risk for major postpartum depression,” Andrew Rhoades, Healio, November 13, 2024

Semaglutide May Help People Cut Back On Drinking, Research Suggests

NBC News (11/13, Sullivan) reports “Ozempic [semaglutide] and Wegovy [semaglutide] may help people cut back on drinking, new research” suggests. In a study of about “228,000 people in Sweden who had alcohol use disorder, researchers found that people who were taking a GLP-1 drug like semaglutide were less likely to be hospitalized for alcohol-related issues.” The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Ozempic and Wegovy may help curb alcohol addiction, study suggests,” Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, November 13, 2024

LGBTQ Hotlines Seeing Surges In Calls Amid Election Fallout

ABC News (11/13, Alfonseca ) reports, “The Rainbow Youth Project, a national LGBTQ advocacy group, typically fields almost 800 calls a month on its crisis outreach hotline.” In only “10 days, as the 2024 presidential election came to a head, the organization told ABC News it received roughly 5,460.” According to organizers, “they were prepared for calls to spike given that the LGBTQ community – and specifically the transgender population – has been a subject of debate in this election cycle.”

However, “they weren’t prepared for the overwhelming call volume.” Nationwide, LGBTQ hotlines “are seeing massive surges amid the fallout of the election, as LGBTQ Americans and their loved ones search for answers, reassurance and guidance about future LGBTQ rights in America.”

Related Links:

— “‘Wake-up call’: LGBTQ crisis hotlines see surge of calls amid presidential election,” Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, November 13, 2024

People Face Higher Risk Of Schizophrenia If They Use Psychedelics, Study Suggests

People Face Higher Risk Of Schizophrenia If They Use Psychedelics, Study Suggests
HealthDay (11/13, Thompson ) reports, “People are at higher risk of schizophrenia if they indulge in psychedelic drugs, a new study warns.” The researchers found that “patients who land in the ER following hallucinogen use have a 21-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia compared to the general population.” Study results indicate that “even after controlling for a person’s existing substance use and mental” illnesses, “there remained a 3.5-fold increased risk of schizophrenia after ER treatment for psychedelics use.” The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Psychedelics Like Psilocybin, MDMA Tied to Higher Odds for Schizophrenia,” Dennis Thompson, HealthDay, November 13, 2024

Nearly half of adolescents who vape nicotine do so for relaxation

Healio (11/12, Kellner ) reports, “Nearly half of adolescents who vape nicotine – and almost three-quarters of near-daily users – do so for relaxation, according to study findings.” The researchers said, “Screening for nicotine vaping alongside stress and anxiety may be an important tool for early intervention efforts because using to relax is associated with increased risk of future dependence.” The findings were published in Pediatrics.

Related Links:

— “Teens vape nicotine to help them relax, survey finds,” Sara Kellner, Healio, November 12, 2024

Foundation News

Foundation Chosen as Community Partner by Maryland Aviation Administration

The Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry was selected by the Maryland Aviation Administration Community Partners Program to display a poster in the terminal at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. It can be found on Concourse C, between Gates C-4 and C-6, on the secure side for the next six months.

 

Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry Community Partner Poster

(Select to view larger image)

New Radio Ad Examines Suicidal Risk in Children

About a third of children who show up in emergency rooms have risk factors for suicide. A new public service ad by the Foundation examines how critical it is to screen adolescents and lists warning signs. Getting professional help is important for the health of the child.

Suicidal Risk in ChildrenSuicidal Risk in Children, MP3, 2.5MB

You can listen to the ad using the player in the upper right of the website’s homepage. All past public service spots are also available for listening or to download on our Radio Advertisements page.

New Radio Ad Examines Affects of Shootings on Communities

Gun violence affects an entire community’s mental health. A new public service ad by the Foundation explores how shootings traumatize the victim, the witnesses, and family members. Having someone to talk to, particularly a psychiatrist, can help cope.

Shootings and CommunitiesShootings and Communities, MP3, 2.5MB

You can listen to the ad using the player in the upper right of the website’s homepage. All past public service spots are also available for listening or to download on our Radio Advertisements page.

Cooper to Receive Anti-Stigma Advocacy Award

Damion Cooper, Th.M. will be awarded the 2019 Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry (MFP) Anti-Stigma Advocacy Prize for his op-ed, “Surviving a gunshot, one man’s story” in the October 18, 2018 Baltimore Sun. The MFP Board unanimously felt that his article was the most deserving of this year’s recognition. Being shot is unfortunately a somewhat common experience for some residents of Baltimore, and the culture of not talking about it makes recovery very difficult for survivors. The Board believes that his courage may empower others to seek help and speak more openly about their own or their family’s suffering.

The Anti-Stigma Advocacy Award carries a $500 prize, which will be formally presented at the Maryland Psychiatric Society annual meeting on April 25.

The Foundation established this annual prize for a worthy piece published in a major newspaper (preferably local or regional) that accomplishes one or more of the following:

  • Shares with the public their experience with mental illness in themselves, a family member, or simply in the community.
  • Helps others to overcome their inability to talk about mental illness or their own mental illness.
  • Imparts particularly insightful observations on the general subject of mental illness.

Related Links:

— “Surviving a gunshot, one man’s story,” Damion J. Cooper, Baltimore Sun, October 18, 2018